Summer Softball...

 Taylor Ann

Hailey Joy

Summer softball is in full swing in Bloomington and this year we have two girls playing but on opposite nights.....which means we go to a softball game Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening.  This is Taylor's first year playing and she is a good hitter, but is occasionally is caught playing in the dirt.

Hailey is in the next level up and the game is now better understood by all the girls.  There are some catches made in the field and the ball gets hit to the outfield fairly often.   It is fun to watch.

Memorial Weekend: Part II

 The second half of the Memorial Day weekend we joined the Miedema side of the family, minus Brittney, for more fun and lots of "1st" time experiences.  We went to Cantabury to watch horse races on Sunday for family day.  The kids loved cheering on the horse that they "voted" would win.

 After the horse races we went to the Japanese Steakhouse for food and entertainment.  Our chef was quite entertaining and served us up some good eats.

 Then on Monday morning we went to Valley Fair!!!!  Our kids had never been to Valley Fair and it went better than we could have ever hoped.  The girls joined their cousins on almost every ride never having to wait more than 10 minutes and never feeling too scared to give it a try.  Carter was very patient when he didn't meet the height requirements and loved all of his rides in Camp Snoopy.

 While Mike and I were away on the Power Tower, Loren treated the kids to some air brush tatoos.  They claimed that it Carter made his choice, but I think he had some encouragement.

 Hailey and Auntie Julie

 Thunder Canyon

 The Go Carts were Carter's favorite

 Maiah, Taylor, and Hailey couldn't get enough of the "Wave" ride and Carter loved playing chicken with the    Wave.

We stayed at Valley Fair for just over 7 hours and everyone had a great time.  We had awesome weather, great behavior from the kiddos, and had to wait very little.  To conclude the day in proper fashion, Macey, Mallory, and myself did the triple rip cord and it was a CRAZY ride.

Memorial Day Weekend: Part I

 It was cousin Jacob's 12th birthday so we went out to celebrate on Friday the 25th at Grand Slam!  

 A family trip to the Twins game with the Vis'

 Trying to keep warm

 Hailey, Taylor, and Maddie

Carter's Preschool Finale

 Carter completed his last day at St. Stephen's Preschool in Bloomington.  He had a great year and really loved it.  We will miss the school a great deal next year as we head to Boston, but truly loved having Carter attending there.

Above is a picture of Carter and Isaac at the preschool concert enjoying cookies after the show.

Take me out to the ball game.....

 Just the mamas and the boys headed out to the Twins game this week to catch some sun and some baseball.  We enjoyed lots of sun but unfortunately we didn't see much baseball from our Minnesota Twins.  Carter enjoyed his cotton candy, Gatorade, and pretzel and managed to be voted the stickiest child at the game complete with a cotton candy goatee. 

 Upon returning home from the game, Mike talked Carter into vacuuming his car for him and as you can tell, he took his job very seriously.

10K-Race Against Breast Cancer 2012

  

 Two years ago my college roommate, Andrea, was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She is now a survivor and this year I was able to go to Sioux Falls to run with her in support of her incredible bravery and success in beating breast cancer.

 This was my very first race that I have ever participated in and I trained for about 100 days to prepare.

Andrea and I ran side by side for the entire 10K with our final time being: 57:12.

My sister Ginnie and her husband Wil also ran in support.

My Miedema supporters: Teresa and Mariah

More about Hailey...........

 Hailey's class recently toured the Water Plant to learn where we get our water.  I went along and learned a lot too!  Such an amazing process that we take for granted in this country.

 Here is the "almost 4th graders"

 Hailey has been taking a lyrical dance course since January with her best buddy Olivia.  They recently had their spring recital dancing to "It is Well".  The above picture is in the recital costume and the below picture is in her practice gear.  She did a great job.  She has a lot on her plate right now with school, dance, piano, and she just started softball!

Hailey Joy

 Hailey participated in her very first piano recital last Monday.  She has been taking lessons since the beginning of January and really enjoys it.  She played two pieces: Indian Song and In His Care.  She was not nervous at all until we arrived at the church and she saw the grand piano up on the stage.  She played the pieces beautifully!

Here is Hailey with her friends: Olivia and Sonja.  They were part of our GEMS program at church and had a great year.  They earned 6 badges this year.